N.C. Roadtrip 2010: Rest Areas

2010 was supposed to be the year of the roadtrips for me, so from time to time I will be weighing in on different Rest Stop/Refreshment areas. On the most recent roadtrip with Grandmary, we visited our usual gas/quikstop services stations, along with one that was just horrid. Let me qualify that. The restrooms were lovely; clean, quick turnaround, lots of stalls, and hosted by an attendant. The staffing, cleanliness, stocking of the condiment bar, and quality of the food at the Roy Rogers was HORRIBLE!!

[later note from 2010: the food was so terrible I got e coli and was sick for MONTHS and MONTHS!, so I'm not exaggerating how bad it was. Skip the Maryland House rest stop on I95. Trust me!]

Then there was this hidden gem, tucked in the floral department of an Carolina Pottery Outlet in Smithfield, NC:
Food? Check
Beverages? Check, but points off for only half of the machines working
Restrooms? Access ... Check
Entertainment? Check
Husband waiting area with Rocking Chairs? BONUS!

It may have been a bit girlie with all the wreaths and swags, but that guy was so happy to be hiding out, reading, and watching sports on that little t.v.